inunction

[ in-uhngk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of anointing.
2. Medicine/Medical. the rubbing in of an oil or ointment.
3. Pharmacology. an unguent.

inunction

/ ɪnˈʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. the application of an ointment to the skin, esp by rubbing
2. the ointment so used
3. the act of anointing; anointment

Word History and Origins

Origin of inunction¹

1595–1605; < Latin inunction- (stem of inunctiō ), equivalent to inunct ( us ) (past participle of inunguere to anoint ) + -iōn- -ion. See in- ², unction

Word History and Origins

Origin of inunction¹

C15: from Latin inunguere to anoint, from unguere; see unction

Example Sentences

Therefore, the temporary inunction had to be lifted.

From Time

It is quite certain that inunction lessens the danger of infection, and Kaposi42 is authority for the statement that a warm bath administered after the completion of desquamation, or about fourteen days from the beginning of the attack, will effectually prevent contagiousness.

From Project Gutenberg

The inunction of fatty substances, as originally proposed by Schonemann, and recently urged by Milton,43 is an excellent routine practice, and in addition to adding very much to the patient's comfort, has, perhaps, the merit of lessening somewhat the danger of infection to others.

From Project Gutenberg

Even as late as the fourth week after the disappearance of the rash children in scarlet fever experience relief from inunction of the surface, and if carbolic acid be added to the substance which is employed for this purpose, and the inunction be made twice daily over the entire surface, contamination of the air through the exfoliations and exhalations from the skin is in great part prevented.

From Project Gutenberg

The late William Budd of Bristol, England, was in the habit of recommending inunction of the surface twice daily with sweet oil, which answered the purpose of preventing dissemination of epidermic particles through the air; and we will presently see how successful were his precautionary measures.

From Project Gutenberg